WAF Shipping Focus: Week 18
- Agwe Logistics Solutions
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry have expressed cautious optimism, alongside concerns over transparency, implementation, and sustainability, following plans by the Federal Government to establish a national shipping line. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to launching a new national carrier, reviving a sector many believe is critical to Nigeria’s economic independence and maritime growth. The proposal has since sparked reactions from shipowners, industry groups, and maritime experts, many of whom agree on its potential benefits, but question the government’s capacity to execute effectively. Dr. Edward Sowho, Chairman of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) Committee of the Nigerian Indigenous Shipowners Association, described the idea as fundamentally sound, noting that Nigeria had previously operated a national shipping line.
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A fresh wave of controversy has hit Nigeria’s maritime industry as Grimaldi Agency Nigeria comes under intense condemnation over its plans to sell thousands of empty shipping containers in U.S. dollars, a development stakeholders say could further weaken the Naira and contradict ongoing efforts to stabilize the country’s foreign exchange market. Grimaldi Agency is of the leading shipping line agencies in Nigeria. It operates from the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. A document about the controversial container sales that was sighted by our correspondent indicate that the company is offering a 40-foot container at $2,000 and 20-foot container at $1,600, with insiders confirming that over 2,500 units are available for disposal. A staff of the shipping company, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the scale of the transaction, stating that the containers on sale “run into over 2,500 units”, adding that the disposal process follows internal terminal inspections and approvals.
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The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), in strategic partnership with Interferry the global ferry association with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization has launched the Ferry Safety Development and Mentoring Program. The landmark initiative in Africa, according to LASWA is set to revolutionize ferry safety practices, boost operational efficiency, and significantly elevate professional standards among industry operators. In a statement issued by the Authority, the 18-month intensive program will feature mentorship from top Interferry experts, complemented by facilitators from esteemed maritime institutions, leading maritime companies, and regulatory agencies across Nigeria. LASWA said an extensive intake verification was successfully completed on March 18, 2026, ensuring all applicants meet the highest standards of eligibility and selection criteria. “A carefully selected cohort of 50 participants including ferry captains, deckhands, marine engineers/technicians, safety officers, compliance professionals, and fleet managers will undergo comprehensive training and mentorship.
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Nigeria has called on the global maritime community to prioritize fairness, equity, and adequate support for developing economies in the push toward net-zero emissions in international shipping. Speaking at the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed the country’s support for decarbonization, stating that such support depends on frameworks that reflect the economic realities of developing nations. Oyetola emphasized that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 must align with sustainable development goals. On the sidelines of the MEPC 84, the minister also held strategic meetings with the Secretary-General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, and the President of Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority, H.E. Fawaz Al Sehali. During these engagements, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deeper collaboration across key maritime priorities.
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Nigeria’s quest to unlock the full potential of its blue economy has received a major boost, as the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) called for the establishment of an indigenous vessel classification system and locally developed marine standards to strengthen the country’s technical and economic independence. Speaking at the Plug and Play x NIMENA Innovation Night held during the Singapore Maritime Week, Eferebo Sylvanus, National Chairman of NIMENA, urged Nigeria to shift from being a passive participant in the global maritime industry to a competitive force anchored on local innovation. Addressing an audience of international maritime stakeholders, policymakers and investors, Sylvanus stressed that Nigeria’s long-term economic stability is closely tied to its ability to build and control its technical capabilities. He argued that reliance on foreign expertise in critical sectors undermines sustainable growth, noting that true economic sovereignty can only be achieved when countries develop and own their technological frameworks.
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Gov. Alex Otti of Abia state approved the immediate commencement of a feasibility study for the state’s proposed Azumini Obeaku Seaport and Inland Waterways Corridor project. Otti announced the approval at a meeting with officials of China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, held in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area of the state. He directed the company to expedite the study and shorten its proposed timeline. “Somehow, deep in my mind, I know that this is the approach. It is good to understand the details and all that is required. “So, you can take it that approval has been given for the feasibility study to commence. “But then, six to seven months is a long time and if we can shorten it, that will help,” he said. The governor also directed relevant government agencies to expedite action and commence the process of obtaining Federal Government’s approvals for the project.
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